Why Keystone?
Take a step into a town where the simplicity of the past meets modern-day fun and amenities.
Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Black Hills, Keystone, South Dakota, is a place where the American dream took root and flourished through grit and determination.
Keystone’s history is a testament to this spirit. Initially established as a “men only” gold mining camp, the town’s fortunes took off with the discovery of gold in the rich Black Hills region. It didn’t take long for Keystone to evolve into a bustling mining hub, boasting over 2,000 residents and claiming the title of Pennington County’s largest community. With the arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s, Keystone’s growth continued, furthering development, expanding mining operations, and fostering a vibrant community.
The railroad was a game-changer. It not only facilitated the efficient transport of people and goods but also set the stage for the ambitious project that would shape Keystone’s destiny – the carving of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
The carving project for Mount Rushmore commenced in 1927, offering seasonal employment to an average of 25 to 30 individuals each year until its completion in 1941. This work was particularly appealing to Keystone’s miners because the wages exceeded what the mines were paying, especially during the harsh economic times of the Great Depression. Little did they know the true greatness that would arise from this monument. In the first year of its completion, 393,000 tourists ventured to the Wild West to witness the famous and breathtaking carving. It soon became evident that tourism would be Keystone’s primary industry, a status it still holds today.
But Keystone’s appeal doesn’t end with Mount Rushmore, or our “Playground”. Nearby treasures like Custer State Park, the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial, and other historic attractions, along with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, have cemented Keystone as an iconic travel destination. While countless mining towns across the nation have come and gone with the rise and fall of gold and minerals, Keystone, South Dakota, stands as an enduring exception. Keystone’s unwavering sense of community and its knack for catering to visitors have kept it thriving.
The town continues to offer a wide variety of lodging, adventure-packed attractions, diverse dining options, and some of the most unique shopping experiences in the Black Hills. Keystone, South Dakota, is not only here to stay but is set to continue growing and thriving, a testament to the American spirit that built it. Check out our Business Directory to learn more about all the things to do in Keystone. Play and Stay in Keystone, and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. Be careful though, you might just want to stay forever!
